first blog post of the world race. (Oh my gosh, I'm actually doing the world race…)
Most of you probably know me if you're reading this, but if you don't, or even if you do, I spent about an hour trying to describe myself in a couple paragraphs on the About section of this. Check it out if ya want.
My support letter gives a decent explanation of how this all came about and what support raising looks like. Many of y'all got one – but just in case you didn't or want to pass it along to everyone and anyone you know (please?!) I'm going to post it here.
Hey Everyone,
I’ve got some seriously exciting (and scary) news! To start at the beginning and include all the details would create a literal book describing tears and “discussions” with God over the past 6 years. So, I’ll spare you all that and keep it short. Almost all of my trips have been through the organization, AIM. They have an 11 month trip that goes to 11 different countries. Ever since I’ve heard about it I’ve felt this…nudging/desire/curiosity towards it. All through college it was, “maybe when I’m done school.” Then I started my masters. Then I got a job. Then I started seminary. There was always something. I always told God I’d do it if He really wanted me to, but recently realized that I wasn’t doing my part. No one was gonna call me and randomly offer me the opportunity to go.
While I was in Kenya, a lady who I had gotten to know pretty well and knew my history of trips asked me what I thought of Africa because it was my first time. I thought about it for a few seconds, and told her Africa was so great…and if someone wanted to send me back, I’d go in a heartbeat, but there was just something about the Spanish language and Hispanic people that I just adored. When I even just get to hear them talk it just feels like my heart melts. Which is when she asked if I had heard that the world race was doing an all Spanish trip….and that’s how this happened.
To be honest, I’ve never been afraid of a trip before. I am terrified of this one. Eleven months is a long time. 14,500 dollars plus personal expenses is A LOT. How in the world is this going to happen? Am I going to have friends when I come back? Will my family still be healthy? Am I going to gain all kinds of weight? Will my dog remember me?…these are thoughts that have been rolling around my head since the application process started.
And really, it doesn’t matter. I have received so much confirmation from the Lord that this is what I am supposed to do and I can’t deny it. The thought has been in my head for years and I’m finally in a place in life where it makes total sense. I’m completely debt free, have no work commitment or housing commitment. The only thing stopping me from being finished with seminary is an internship…which this trip qualifies for. Any excuse I could think up has been completely eliminated.
There are so many different ways that you can join me on this adventure. The first is prayer. Pray that my heart and body are prepared for this, for the hearts of those who I will be working alongside of and those who we will be serving. Pray that the money shows up however and whenever God wants it to and that I remain completely dependent on His plan and timing.
The next way is to financially contribute. The options on how you can do this are different than normal this time and the donations are tax deductible. You can mail a check with my name on the Memo line and the address can be found on the Support Me! link. You can also click that link and donate through a checking account draft or with a debit card. You can even call and do it over the phone. If you want to donate once and be done, that’s awesome. If you want to give me a certain amount every couple months they can set that up too. Anything and everything helps, nothing is too small.
Lodging and basic meals total 14,500 dollars. By September 27, I have to have at least 3,500 dollars in my account. This means checks need to be mailed by September 13 and online donations need to be given by September 24. By December 18, I have to have 6,500. Three months (4/1/14) into my trip I have to be up to 9,500 and six months in (7/1/14) the total of 14,500 has to be there. All this money goes through AIM, whether by mail or internet.
Out of my pocket comes a lot of shots, quite a bit of camping gear, toiletries and personal spending money for me to use on the occasional off day we will have throughout the year. If you wanted to contribute to this, that would just come straight to me. These numbers are overwhelming to me and I am so thankful that God is in control. I’m totally depending on Him to pull through here…good news is, He always does.
I’m nervous, but I’m really excited, because I know I am walking in obedience. Thank you guys so much for always backing me up on what the Lord has called me to do. I am so humbled and excited that I am able to represent those who are not able to go but have a heart for sharing Jesus with the world. Every time I am blown away by how He provides. Thank you for being willing.
Together we have seen the blind in Kenya receive their sight, the lame in Peru begin to walk, Mexicans come to know the Lord, girls in Thailand be freed of sex slavery, lepers get hugs in India and so many other miracles. I can’t wait to see what happens this coming year and can’t believe this is happening! Thank you!
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Mark 16:15
Puerto Rico • DR • Ecuador • Peru • Bolivia • Panama • Costa Rica • Nicaragua • Guatemala • El Salvador • Honduras
This is actually happening and I am so excited. Again feel free to post and share this link. I'll be updating and keeping you posted on things – comment, send me an email ([email protected]) or say a prayer. He's got big plans.
